EU Digital COVID certificate: 9-month mandatory acceptance period

On 21 December 2021 the European Commission adopted new rules related to the EU COVID certificate, which says that the vaccination certificate must be accepted for period of 9 months (270 days) with respect to traveling in the EU. Due to the new measures, the clear and uniform acceptance period will guarantee the coordinated travel rules in the EU Member States, which is in line with the core values of the EU, such as the Single Market and the right to free movement.

The validity period adopted by the Commission takes into consideration the guidance of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The guidance details that the booster doses are recommended six months after the completion of the first vaccination cycle at the latest. The certificate will remain valid for an additional three months-period as a grace period to ensure that the national vaccination campaigns can adjust and the citizens will have access to the booster doses.